I have an
Air 2S... new. I used to fly RC helicopters 15 years ago so I do have some control stick memory... and at the time most of used Phoenix Simulator (now out of production).
Have a simulator, imo, is very important to learning.
While it can't completely replace real flying time, it certainly helps.
It doesn't seem to be much out there... my comments using the Xbox One.
DJI Simulator. (UPDATED note
Yes it works, There is delay in stick response, no smooth transition when controlling the drone.
First screen before pressing start:
select
Options top right of screen -> select
Settings.
select
Resolution 720p and then
Display mode Window
(you can change to full screen later).
Click
Start to start and
select drone and
Free Flight try the "Field" first.
after the flying "Field" loads and drone is sitting on the ground.
Hit button
"B" on the Xbox controller, you will see a menu scroll down to bottom:
Settings: click that.. next menu scroll down to
Remote Controller and Keyboard click that.
next menu: scroll down to
Keyboard click that.
Now you have a menu of keyboard shortcuts to change numerous function.
Flight Mode; v this theoretically would change Cine Normal or Sport mode.
doesn't seem to work in the
view as you would in real life.
Switch Views: c first person view, regular, etc....
In FPV and "phone" view... you can now use the above shortcut "v" and you now
can now slow down the flight (take it out of Sport mode)
and control the drone better.
RTH: o return to home.
There are other keyboard shortcuts you can play around with but that should get you going for a better experience with the Xbox controller so you can practice moving around objects etc.
It is a shame that the
Air 2S is also not compatible with our stock controllers.
The Simulator in our (your drone ) DJI Assistant. A lot better with stock controller. But limited with the fact that you have to connect your drone to the computer, use the phone and controller. In my opinion kind of a hassle.
Zephyr Simulator by Little Arms Free version. Xbox controller. Graphics are decent. Numerous drones to choose from, a few flying scenarios to choose. Good stick response (ie: not much lag). But flying in what seems faster than Sport mode. So beginner training can be frustrating.
Dronesim Pro . No free version but still only $10. Best training I have found for our drones and Xbox One compatible. Only two flying fields and one drone available (Phantom). But these limitations give way to the far superior ability to fly as close to the drones in Cime and Normal mode that most beginners would fly.
Do NOTE: I am unfamiliar with the front led lights, and led status lights on the mini drone or other drones. On the
Air 2S rear led's (ie led status lights) flash green and red. Front led's are green. Non DJI simulators the led lights for orientation are the opposite. Using the simulator don't brain implant the lights colors for orientation.
I bought an Xbox One at Walmart for $26... just for drone simulation. What I did... (do this with caution you could wreck you xbox controller) I drilled small holes in the buttons and put in small screws to act like "the control sticks". I think it greatly improved the "feel" of using the buttons as "sticks". Be careful not to drill too deep. Don't let any crud, or plastic particles fall down into the controller.
edit added this: it just occurred to me that it might be possible to use golf tees. Cut them down to size,
upside down, and glue or maybe use a heavy duty double sided tape to secure them. You might also try putting a piece of painters tape on top of the button... before the heavy duty double sided tape, thus you could remove the golf tee gimbals if you didn't like the setup.
Cheers.
